International Anesthesia Research Society Statement on U.S. Travel Restrictions

February 14, 2017 06:00 AM

The IARS Board of Trustees has issued the following statement regarding the IARS 2017 Annual Meeting and International Symposium and the U.S. Executive Order on travel restrictions:

The IARS is a nonpolitical, not-for-profit medical society that aims to advance and support scientific research and education related to anesthesia, and to improve patient care through basic research. The IARS funds anesthesia research and provides a forum for anesthesiology leaders to share information and ideas. This year, the IARS Annual Meeting will be held in Washington, DC on May 6-9, 2017. As in previous years, the Board of Trustees of the IARS extends a warm invitation to our international colleagues to attend the meeting.

The Board recognizes that our specialty and patient care will only advance substantially if supported by the free exchange of ideas among international networks of diverse health-care providers and scientists. Thus, the IARS joins with other scientific societies in the United States and worldwide in opposing the recent White House Executive Order on travel restrictions from certain countries. We consider that the travel restrictions put collaborations at risk. We wish to recognize that our member scientists and clinicians live on six continents and treat patients and conduct research throughout the developed and developing world—including those in countries named in the restrictive order. The IARS urges a more balanced approach to access to the United States that not only provides for security but also protects important scientific collaborations.